What should I order at Café Zest?
Café Zest
Beef Fillet (including Za’atar-crusted beef fillet)
Frequently mentioned as a standout dish, the beef fillet is praised for its perfect cooking and flavorful preparations such as the Za’atar crust paired with creamy tahini sauce and grilled baby fennel. Multiple reviewers called it a highlight and a consistent winner.
Chocolate Fondant
Highly recommended dessert known for its rich, oozy chocolate center and perfect texture—described as overwhelming chocolaty smooth and the best dessert experience. Many reviewers urged to try it even if skipping the main meal.
Pork Belly
Noted for its tenderness and full flavor, often paired with honey-baked pear and honey mustard reduction. It is described as divine and satisfying, making it a popular choice among main courses.
Line Fish (with lemon mayonnaise and blood orange reduction or cream sauce)
Recommended multiple times for its perfect cooking and great complementary sauces, offering a fresh and flavorful seafood option that impressed diners.
Tapas (including Deep fried goats cheese balls with jalapeños, Coconut prawn tapas, Moroccan Lamb Cigars, Dukkah Camembert, Beef Ragout tapas)
The tapas menu is praised for its deliciousness, excellent presentation, and variety. Several tapas items were specifically mentioned and highly enjoyed, making it a great choice for sampling multiple small dishes.
Chocolate Pave
Mentioned as a delicious dessert option, adding to the restaurant’s strong dessert offerings and overall fine dining experience.
Eggs Benedict
Listed as a favorite breakfast/brunch dish among reviewers, noted for its creativity and deliciousness.
Mussels
Described as the best mussels some reviewers had in their lives, cooked perfectly and refreshing, highlighting the quality of the seafood.
Baklava Rolls
Mentioned as a well-prepared and delicious dessert, contributing to the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 9 PM |
About Café Zest
Café Zest is a restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, known for tapas, small plates, and views of the beach and sunset. Reviewers consistently praise the seaview, the quality of dishes like hake, pork belly, and chocolate fondant, and the friendly service. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It is also noted for reasonable prices for the location and area.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Café Zest known for?
Café Zest is best known for tapas and small plates served with a seaview and sunset views in Cape Town. Reviewers repeatedly mention the beach view, and say the food is a standout, especially dishes like pork belly, hake, and chocolate fondant.
What dishes are most recommended at Café Zest?
Reviewers most often highlight tapas, hake, pork belly, and chocolate fondant, along with specific dishes like bitterballen, coconut prawn tapas, line fish, and the zatar crusted beef fillet. Several reviews also mention the lemon mayonnaise and blood orange reduction on the line fish as a memorable pairing.
What is the atmosphere like at Café Zest?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, casual, trendy, and upscale, with both indoor seating and outdoor seating by the ocean. It suits couples looking for a sunset meal, groups, and solo diners who want a relaxed meal with a view.
Is Café Zest good value?
Yes, reviewers say the prices are reasonable for the location and area, especially given the beach view and the quality of the food. The restaurant is not described as cheap, but the tapas, wine, cocktails, and full meals are repeatedly framed as worth the price.
Does Café Zest get busy, and when should you go?
Lunch reservations and dinner reservations are recommended, which suggests it can be busy at peak times. Reviewers specifically praise the sunset setting, so an early evening visit is a strong choice if you want the view with your meal.
Is parking available at Café Zest?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Café Zest have vegetarian options?
Yes, Café Zest offers vegan options.
Is Café Zest kid-friendly?
Yes, Café Zest is good for kids.
Restaurants like Café Zest in Cape Town
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